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Opuntia debreczeyi 'Alberta Sunset'
Ball Cactus
Plant Type:
SUN PERENNIALSOpuntia debreczeyi ‘Alberta Sunset’ (also listed as O. fragilis) – This form sports deep dark pink flowers with a central yellow boss of sexual parts on plump cushioned pads. This has no spines but it does have tiny glochids (these are the nubs on the pads from which the spines emerge)… so handle it with care! This was selected by the esteemed Claude Barr and was likely found in Alberta, Canada. Established potted cacti.
Characteristics and Attributes for Opuntia debreczeyi 'Alberta Sunset'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Late Spring / Early Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Nature Attraction
- Honey Bees & Native Bees
- Butterflies
Light
- Full Sun
Attributes
- Rock Garden
- Border
- Drought Tolerant
- Evergreen
- Specimen
- Potted Plant
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Impoverished
- Scrabbled
- Draining
- Sandy
- Calcareous
Origins
- Canada
Propagated By
- Division
- Bare Root
Genus Overview: Cacti
Common Name: Cactus
All cacti are architectonic naturals settled into a stone and gravel garden. Hardy cacti require full sun in very well-drained conditions – this is especially true when planted in the damp, humid eastern U.S. John Spain, guru to cacti growers in New England and beyond, has amended his growing mix to 90% sand and crushed stone to 10% good compost. Raised beds or planting on a south-facing slope are very helpful; low lying areas that hold onto moisture between rains are an anathema to cacti culture. In that there are fungi that can ravage colonies we are offering cultivars that have been completely or relatively disease-free in northeastern Connecticut. Beware the glochids!!! Those are the nexi where the spines emerge. Handle all with care for even those that are spineless can inflict little fiber optic-like hairs which when stuck in the skin may drive you crazy for as long as a week! When cleaning up or propagating I arm myself with my handy Felco pruners in one hand and pliers in the other – for all you classic 50s sci-fi buffs, a modern day Robby the Robot!